SMUDGE – THE OUTDOOR
TYPE (DOMINO)
I was actually the
owner of this song long before the Lemonheads made it famous. I can’t say that I was necessarily into
before that point but I was there, just about.
I bought the record on twelve from the Time Records stall in Clacton’s
indoor market mostly based on how the cover gave off strong alt rock vibes and
the fact that it had been released on Domino.
Then over the years I would come to confuse them with both Slint and
Scrawl.
Smudge was one of
Australia’s finest. There has always
been a nice stream of noisy alternative rock bands spewed from down under. Indeed according to some people (some
sources) in the past it has been claimed that the term “grunge” was actually
applied to Australian bands ahead of their Seattle counterparts. I guess in that heat things can get low and
lazy, naturally slacker like.
“The Outdoor Type” is
a glorious jaunt. It works either quiet
or cranked. Compared to the more famous
cover version of the song by the Lemonheads, the vocals here are less Evan
Dando, more a played down J Mascis drawl.
As is the sound of the guitar.
And regardless of whose performing the song, the sentiments are perfect,
ideal pop for any Generation X listener.
There was always room for the celebration of staying home and doing
nothing.
All in all this is a
very strong EP and collection of songs.
With “Scary Cassettes” the band explicitly wear their influences on
their sleeves referencing Sebadoh with an almost embarrassing degree of
reverence before “Dave The Talking Bear” executes the quiet loud quiet formula
of the Pixies with perfection.
With this they smarten
up with a couple of acoustic led compositions (“Not Here For A Haircut” and
“Berlin Chair”) which serve to display their range and songwriting strength. With this a Mark Mulcahy/Miracle Legion
element is added to proceedings. It
wins.
Ultimately the band
never quite hit the heights of the heavyweights they resembled which I guess
would make them more akin to Gumball in the grand scheme of indie rock
history. Not a thing to sniff at.
Thesaurus moment:
neighbours.
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